Day 14

Day 14 Barradale to Exmouth

Look at the back of the Van

Well this morning’s wake up call was a little different to most, we were woken by cows mooinf just outside our window. I kid you not and Maureen got pictures of them, they obviously liked the company. The picture has Girt and Trude and at the back of it there are cows, you have to look hard because they blend in. Maureen was up and out of the van and went for a walk to the river, it was dry,

but your classic dry river with the majestic white gums and flat

Where we stayed

river bed. Today we did not feel like slow pokes as there were heaps of people still there and enjoying the atmosphere. We got up and had breakfast at Barradale (I know the name as Maureen took a picture!) and slowly packed up and prepared for the drive and we were still

Sunrise at Barradale

under way by 9:30! The trip to Exmouth was to be a long one of about 250Ks so about 3 hours driving. I topped up the water and away we went. I started on gas as we had ¼ tank left and ½ a tank of petrol. Cranked up the stereo, finally worked out how to get the USB input to random select across 3 folders of music, and we hit the road.

 River bed

This was really a pleasant days drive. The problems we have had with the cooling system seem to occur after you stop and then start again, still had no idea what was causing the coolant loss or why the new temperature gauge was not giving accurate readings when the in dash gauge was going hay

wire. But, today all went well. Dash gauge said we were perfect temperature, the new one said that we were barely warm, but this was normal and we drove for over three hours, non-stop to Exmouth!

On the way in to town, we stopped off at the local tyre place which was also an Auto One shop, and got three new tyres. I replaced the one we blew yesterday as well as the old spare and the rear tyre opposite the one we blew. I think the previous owners had used the load balancing bars to have the caravan towed nose high so that the weight was on the rear tyres of the tandems. The two front tyres that were the exact same as the rear looked 50 % better tread and wear. I tow the caravan flat so that the weight is evenly distributed. At the tyre place they recommended Exmouth 4X4 as a good mechanic to have a look at the cooling system. Whilst the guy replaced our tyres, I checked out system and had to top up the water, not with a lot after such a long haul. Maureen swung into action when we needed to get out as we had to back out onto the road, I know I think she can stop traffic, well she did today while we backed out.

Got to out caravan park and booked in. The park is huge and right near the centre of town. We parked the van on out site, it is just as well we are only 18’6” as a 19’ van would be too big to fit, but it is wide enough to have the annex out and the car. The ground is lovely and grassed, so different to the red gravel or dirt we just got used to. Again, we set about establishing Girt and levelled, popped, watered and powered to unit, then had lunch.

 

Once we were watered and fed we went back into the industrial area and found our mechanic. His guard dogs were ferocious, well we stepped over one that was asleep on the floor and had to pat the other one to get to the counter. The owner was great, he came out to the car, listened to my long winded story of woe and swung into action. Pretty soon he agreed both gauges were crap and got a pressure tester. Pumped up the pressure and there was the lead. On the top of the engine, right behind where the temp sensor is, there is a rubber seal that has popped. It was most likely done when I had my timing belt and water pump changed and missed testing there, not mentioning any names Lyle. So, new rubber seal, new gasket here and there and about 4 hours work should see us fixed. We have booked it in for Wednesday morning at 10:30.

Sunset Exmouth

Whilst there, we went to an auto electrician and priced getting another temperature gauge fitted, one that works, and booked the old girl in for Thursday morning. This meant we would need a couple of extra days to cover this all off. We are extending our stay here until Saturday morning now.

Back at camp, we had a rum and a few nibbles and enjoyed the end of a busy but successful day. Once the alcohol kicked in we decided to do the responsible thing and take charge of vehicles – Maureen, her bike and me, my gopher. We went for a quick ride around the park and off down the road to the beach which we got to just as the sun went down. It was nice to see the sea again, but we are already missing the Pilbara.

Looking after the Bike

Our plan for tomorrow is to drive around the gorges and try and find a beach for a swim.